Everything is different in the NFL playoffs. Not only in terms of drama and the knockout system, but also in terms of how the pros are paid in the postseason.

While teams are responsible for their players’ salaries during the NFL regular season, the league takes over during the playoffs.

There is a standardized salary system that makes no distinction between a star quarterback and the fifth linebacker.

Every athlete receives the same amount of money. This is regulated by the Collective Bargaining Agreement, a collective agreement between the NFL and the players’ union.
In the Wild Card Round, pay depends on whether or not you have entered the playoffs as a division winner. The players of the division champions receive $58,500 (approx. €48,800), while the other teams receive $53,500 (approx. €44,600).

Players from the two conference winners who do not have to compete in the first week of the playoffs also receive $53,500 (approx. €44,600) each.

Divisional Round

In the second playoff round, in which the eight top teams compete for a place in the Championship Games, there are no financial differences.

Each player receives $58,500 (approx. €48,800) from the league, which is transferred to their account.

Conference Championship Game

Those who fight their way through the Divisional Round have the chance to win the conference title and advance to the Super Bowl.

This is also financially rewarding. All athletes receive $81,000 (approx. €67,550) from the league.

Super Bowl

Most players certainly consider the pay in the Super Bowl to be significantly less important than winning the Vince Lombardi Trophy.

Being able to call yourself a Super Bowl winner is virtually priceless. Nevertheless, the financial aspect should not be ignored.

Each player on the winning team receives $178,000 (approx. €148,400), while the players on the losing team still receive $103,000 (approx. €85,900).